Thailand Outguns India in FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Division B Semi-Final Qualifier

Key highlights

 

India's campaign at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 Division B faced a setback when they lost to Thailand 93-76 in the all-important semi-final qualification game in Shenzhen, China. The loss puts an end to India's chances of advancing to the semi-finals and a possibility of promotion to Division A.

 

Game Analysis

 

Thailand started strong, taking charge with a commanding shooting performance and assaulting the paint. Their offense, led by precise perimeter shooting and fast breaks, forced India to play defense early. Thailand had established a comfortable advantage by halftime and maintained the momentum throughout the second half.

 

India had trouble defending Thailand's main players, especially Rattiyakorn Udomsuk, who has been among the tournament's leading scorers. The Indian defense could not contain Thailand's speed nor interrupt their ball movement, allowing many wide-open shots from the outside.

 

Offensively, India's execution broke down in crucial periods. Though there were consistent contributions from players such as Sanjana Ramesh and Dharshini Thirunavukkarasu, India's shooting percentages were dwarfed by those of Thailand. The team also lost the battle of free throws, making slightly less than 70% compared to Thailand's 79%—another area that further extended the margin.

 

Statistical Snapshot

 

Thailand edged India in some crucial statistics: three-point shooting (32.2% to India's 18.1%), points per game overall (72.3 to India's 67.3 in tournament average), and free-throw shooting percentage (79.2% to 68.8%).

 

India did have a rebounding advantage throughout the tournament but was unable to capitalize on second-chance opportunities against a more effective Thai offense.

 

Historical Context and What's Next

 

This victory adds to Thailand's advantage over India in recent FIBA Asia Cup meetings; Thailand holds a slender winning edge in their head-to-head with close victories in 2015 and 2009 too. India now heads into classification matches to decide their ultimate positions for the 2025 campaign, as Thailand proceeds to the semi-finals with the aim of promotion to Division A.

 

The recent loss marks out areas India need to work on—defensive intensity, outside shooting, and effective shot selection—if they are to compete at the highest level of Asian women's basketball in the years to come.

 

Sources: FIBA, The Bridge, Olympics.com, The Tribune India